US President-elect Donald Trump revealed his latest round of nominations on Friday, appointing Cuban-American businessman Benjamin Leon as ambassador to Spain and Joe Popolo as ambassador to the Netherlands.
Introducing Leon, Trump lauded him as a “self-made success story,” highlighting his journey from a 16-year-old Cuban immigrant to a prominent entrepreneur, equestrian, and philanthropist. With his sights set on Madrid, Leon is poised to bring his unique perspective to the role.
Popolo, nominated as ambassador to Amsterdam, was praised for his diverse business expertise and philanthropic contributions. “Joe’s impressive track record across various sectors makes him an outstanding choice,” Trump remarked.
In the US, these high-profile ambassadorial roles hinge on Senate confirmation, setting the stage for a key step in Trump’s evolving foreign policy team.
Beyond the diplomatic front, Trump also strengthened his Treasury Department lineup, naming Ken Kies as assistant secretary for tax policy. Kies, a seasoned tax lawyer with nearly five decades of experience and a former chief of staff for the Joint Committee on Taxation, is set to bring a wealth of expertise to the role.
Additionally, Trump appointed Alexandra Preate as senior counselor to the Treasury Secretary, Scott Bessent. He described Preate as a “dynamic force in public relations” with a proven track record of executive leadership.
With these announcements, Trump continues to assemble a team he believes will “deliver results” both domestically and on the global stage, signaling his administration’s priorities.
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